David Hermance

David W. Hermance (September 27, 1947 – November 25, 2006) was an American automotive engineer called the "American father of the Prius." According to Automotive News, Hermance was considered the top American executive for alternative fuel vehicles. David Weston Hermance was born in Logansport, Indiana to Keith Weston Hermance and Margaret "Peg" Johnstone Hermance. David Hermance earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the General Motors Institute. He joined General Motors in 1965 and served in a variety of roles in the Vehicle Emissions Laboratory from 1971-1985. From 1985 to 1991, Hermance served as Department Head for Durability Test Development at General Motors. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.